LA PAZ, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia's government told the Organization of American States (OAS) on Wednesday that weeks of road blockades, protests and violence pose a threat to the country's democratic order, institutional stability and basic rights.
Speaking during a virtual session of the OAS Permanent Council, Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo said Bolivia is facing rising political and social unrest, with some protesters demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.
Aramayo called on the OAS and its member states to reaffirm support for Bolivia's constitutional order and condemn political violence and actions aimed at disrupting state institutions.
Bolivia has seen weeks of protests led by farmers, miners, factory workers, teachers, the Bolivian Workers' Central and groups aligned with former President Evo Morales. What began as sectoral demands has escalated into political mobilization calling for the resignation of Paz.
Tensions rose after police and military operations last weekend in El Alto, near La Paz, to clear roads and restore access to food and fuel supplies. Officials said more than 100 people were detained.
Since Monday, protests have moved into central La Paz, where clashes, looting and damage to public and private property have been reported.
Aramayo said the government respects the right to peaceful protest and political participation, but added that no demand can justify violence, intimidation or violations of citizens' rights.
He requested the dispatch of an international OAS mission to assess the political and social situation on the ground. ■
